The United States once again was divided as Union and Confederate soldiers met on the battlefield during a Civil War re-enactment summer camp held last month at Destrehan Plantation.

In observance of the 150th commemoration of the American Civil War, Destrehan Plantation held on the manor house grounds on River Road its first “Civil War School of the Soldier." Fifty-one children ages 13 to 16 attended June 3 – 7, and children ages 8-12 participated June 17-21.

The camp, presented by the plantation's heritage education program, allowed boys and girls to see what camp life was like for Union and Confederate soldiers during the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865.

“The Civil War camp gave students an opportunity for authentic learning at an authentic historical site making for lasting knowledge and insight into the life of a Civil War soldier,” said Angie Matherne, director of the heritage education program at Destrehan Plantation.

Ian Campbell of Destrehan, performing as Sergeant Major, commanded the troops and taught children the basics of the Manual of Arms, marching, and maneuvering on the field, which is known as “School of the Soldier.” Since drill was part of a soldier’s daily life, students participated in drills each day to develop their infantry skills.

“I made it clear to them that this was not a baby-sitting service, but a military camp that was going to be run with order and discipline,” Campbell said. “The kids were drilled just like Civil War soldiers. They had no problems, and really enjoyed the drills and all of the other activities.”

Among the activities were making candles, a horn book (note pad), moss dolls, and corn husk dolls; sewing a poke sack (small sack for food items); visiting the blacksmith's shop; building a fire using flint and steel; and cooking Johnny cakes (corn meal pancake) and salt pork.

Skirmishes were held throughout the camps, and won by both the Union and Confederate soldiers.

Participating in the skirmishes was the highlight of the camp for many of the participants, said Olivia Russell, a sophomore at Destrehan High School, who attended the first session and returned as First Sgt. of the Confederate Company to help Campbell lead the second camp for the younger children.

“The kids really enjoyed the cap guns and battling,” she said.

Russell said her favorite parts were the drills and cooking. “ I enjoyed the marching formations, learning commands, and cooking over an open fire,” she said.

Sausage, ham steaks and salt pork were popular, she said, and everyone enjoyed making smores.

“All of the activities really helped us gain a better understanding about how life was during the Civil War," she said.

Another popular aspect of the camp for the older students was Willie Verret’s presentation of Civil War artifacts he found at the old site of Fashion Plantation in Hahnville, a campsite during the Civil War. Major General Richard Taylor, who lived at Fashion Plantation, was in command of the District of Western Louisiana.

A uniform button, bullets, a thimble and pottery were shown to the students.

“It’s like holding a piece of history in your hand,” Verret said. “It brings history to life.”

Bringing history to life is the goal of the heritage education program, Matherne said.

“I feel history camps such as the Civil War camp are very important to the education of our children,” she said. “ Such camps take learning way beyond the pages of a history book in the classroom to an authentic setting to make history come alive. Such camps afford students the opportunity of learning about our ancestors and learning from them, as well. These camps give students hands-on opportunities for life-long learning.”

Scholarships for 16 children to attend the camp were provided by the United Way of St. Charles and the St. Charles Women’s Club.

For more information on the School of the Soldier and other heritage education programs, call Matherne at 985-764-9315.